Radiation imaging apparatus and control method for radiation imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An X-ray imaging apparatus including a sensor unit with a sensor array configured to generate a signal corresponding to X-rays and a sound-production unit configured to make a notification by sound production causes the sound-production unit to execute sound production in response to detection of an event. If an event including a sound-production request occurs during a period including a period of reading out a signal from the sensor array, the X-ray imaging apparatus restricts execution of sound production by the sound-production unit.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/420,231filed Jan. 31, 2017, which in turn claims the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2016-023079, filed Feb. 9, 2016, which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and acontrol method for the radiation imaging apparatus.

Description of the Related Art

In general, an X-ray imaging apparatus which irradiates an object withX-rays generated by an X-ray source, detects the intensity distributionof X-rays transmitted through the object, and converts it into an imageor an X-ray imaging system including the apparatus has becomecommercially available. In recent years, an X-ray imaging apparatuswhich converts X-rays into visible light by a phosphor, converts thevisible light into an electrical signal by a photosensor, and outputs anX-ray image as digital data without using an X-ray film has becomewidespread.

Such X-ray imaging apparatus may be provided with a notificationfunction for notifying the user of the operation state of itself. Apractical example of the notification function is a function using lightor a sound. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-013272 proposes an X-rayimaging apparatus which implements a notification function by mountingor connecting a light emitting component such as an LED or lamp or asound-production component such as a loudspeaker. The notificationfunction allows the user to recognize information about the state oroperation of the X-ray imaging apparatus, for example, whether the X-rayimaging apparatus is active, or the X-ray imaging apparatus is in anX-ray imaging enable state.

In general, a component driven by electricity generates electromagnetismduring driving. Since a sound-production component like a loudspeakerincludes a component such as a coil which is intended to generateelectromagnetism, the intensity of generated electromagnetism is higherthan that of other components. On the other hand, the X-ray imagingapparatus is provided with a detection mechanism or sensor with highsensitivity, such as a photoelectric conversion sensor array or amechanism for X-ray detection. Therefore, in the case of the X-rayimaging apparatus, an electromagnetic influence, exerted by driving thesound-production component, on the detection mechanism or sensor maycause inconvenience to X-ray imaging. Especially, in the case of acassette-type portable X-ray imaging apparatus, since various componentsare arranged in a limited space, it is difficult to ensure the distancebetween components such as the sound-production component and the sensorarray, and the sound-production component tends to influence X-rayimaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the influence of asound-production component on X-ray imaging is reduced.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided aradiation imaging apparatus comprising: a sensor unit including a sensorarray configured to generate a signal corresponding to radiation; asound-production unit configured to make a notification by soundproduction; and a notification unit configured to cause thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event, wherein if an event including a sound-productionrequest occurs during a first period including a period of reading out asignal from the sensor array, execution of sound production by thesound-production unit is restricted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda control method for a radiation imaging apparatus including a sensorunit with a sensor array configured to generate a signal correspondingto radiation and a sound-production unit configured to make anotification by sound production, the method comprising: causing thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event; and restricting, if an event including asound-production request occurs during a first period including a periodof reading out a signal from the sensor array, execution of soundproduction by the sound-production unit.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to theattached drawings).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of an X-rayimaging system according to embodiments;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of anX-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram showing an example of the detailedarrangement of a sensor unit;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating X-ray imaging processing at the timeof a synchronization mode;

FIG. 3B is a flowchart for explaining interrupt processing;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the processing relationship betweenapparatuses at the time of the synchronization mode;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are flowcharts illustrating X-ray imaging processing atthe time of an X-ray irradiation detection mode;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views showing an example of the arrangement of anX-ray imaging system at the time of a console-less mode; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating X-ray imaging processing atthe time of the console-less mode.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

Embodiments will be described below using an X-ray imaging apparatus asa radiation imaging apparatus. The first embodiment shows an example inwhich an X-ray imaging apparatus operates in a synchronization mode ofcapturing an image in synchronism with an X-ray generating apparatus andan image readout period is set as a period during which the output of asound from a sound-production unit provided in the X-ray imagingapparatus is restricted. FIG. 1 shows an example of the arrangement ofan X-ray imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment. Thearrangement of the X-ray imaging system 100 according to the firstembodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

An X-ray imaging apparatus 101 has one or both of a wired communicationfunction and a wireless communication function, and can exchange datawith an imaging console 102 via a communication path. The imagingconsole 102 is constructed by, for example, a computer apparatus (a PCor the like) having a display function such as a monitor and a functionof accepting an input instruction from the user (radiographer oroperator). The imaging console 102 can send, to the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, an instruction from the user, or receive an imageacquired by the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and present it to the user.Furthermore, the imaging console 102 has one or both of a wiredcommunication function and a wireless communication function. Note thatFIG. 1 shows an example in which the imaging console 102 is of astandalone type. However, no such restriction is imposed on an actualoperation, and a note PC, tablet device, or the like of a portable typemay be used as the imaging console 102.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 101 sends an acquired X-ray image to theimaging console 102. The X-ray image may be sent from the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 to the imaging console 102 via a LAN 103 or may bedirectly sent from the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 to the imagingconsole 102. For example, the LAN 103 is formed by a wired cable, and isconnected to the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and the imaging console102, thereby allowing exchange of data such as an X-ray image.

Furthermore, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 may have a power receivingfunction together with a connection for wired communication. In thiscase, by connecting, to the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, a power sourceunit 104 which can implement power supply and communication at the sametime, the power source unit 104 can supply power to the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 while mediating communication between the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 and the imaging console 102. Referring to FIG. 1, lines150 and 151 each connecting the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and thepower source unit 104 indicate a communication wiring and a power supplywiring, respectively. These two wirings may be accommodated in one cableor separately prepared. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the power sourceunit 104 is connected to the LAN 103. However, the power source unit 104and the imaging console 102 may be directly connected.

If the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 communicates with the imaging console102 by wireless communication, it may be connected to the LAN 103 via anaccess point (AP 105). Note that FIG. 1 shows a state in which the AP105 is connected to the LAN 103 but the AP 105 and the imaging console102 may be directly connected. Furthermore, the X-ray imaging apparatus101 and the imaging console 102 may have a function of directlyexchanging data with each other via wireless or wired communication. Anexample of the communication path when the X-ray imaging apparatus 101and the imaging console 102 exchange data has been explained.

Referring to FIG. 1, an X-ray generating apparatus 108 is connected toan X-ray tube 106 for generating X-rays, an X-ray generation console 107for accepting a user operation such as an X-ray generation instruction,and an X-ray apparatus connection device 109 for performingcommunication connection to the LAN 103. Note that the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 can communicablyconnected via the X-ray apparatus connection device 109 and the LAN 103.The X-ray imaging apparatus 101 implements the synchronization mode ofsynchronizing an imaging operation and an X-ray irradiation operation bythe X-ray generating apparatus 108 by communication via the connection.

The procedure of X-ray imaging of an object 110 by the X-ray imagingsystem 100 will now be described. To perform X-ray imaging of the object110, the user arranges the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 at a positionwhere it is irradiated with X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 106 andtransmitted through the object 110. Next, the user activates the X-rayimaging apparatus 101, and then operates the imaging console 102 to setthe X-ray imaging apparatus 101 in an imaging enable state.Subsequently, the user operates the X-ray generation console 107 to setX-ray irradiation conditions. After the end of the above-describedoperation, the user confirms that imaging preparation including theobject 110 is completed, and presses an exposure switch provided on theX-ray generation console 107, thereby instructing the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 to perform X-ray exposure.

Upon accepting the X-ray exposure instruction, the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 notifies, via the X-ray apparatus connection device 109and the LAN 103, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 of a signal indicatingthat X-ray irradiation starts. Note that in FIG. 1, the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 and the X-ray generating apparatus 108 are connected viathe X-ray apparatus connection device 109 and the LAN 103. However, theconnection form is not limited to this. For example, the X-raygenerating apparatus 108 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 may bedirectly connected without intervention of the X-ray apparatusconnection device 109 and the LAN 103. If the X-ray imaging apparatus101 has a function of detecting X-ray irradiation, the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 need not notify the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 ofirradiation, as will be described later in the second embodiment.

Upon receiving, from the X-ray generating apparatus 108, the signalindicating that X-ray irradiation starts, the X-ray imaging apparatus101 confirms whether it is ready for X-ray irradiation. If there is noproblem, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 returns irradiation allowanceto the X-ray generating apparatus 108. Upon receiving the irradiationallowance from the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 drives the X-ray tube 106 to perform X-ray irradiation.Upon detecting the end of X-ray irradiation, the X-ray imaging apparatus101 starts generating an X-ray image, and sends the generated X-rayimage to the imaging console 102 via the above-described communicationpath. The end of X-ray irradiation can be detected by various methods,for example, a notification from the X-ray generating apparatus 108 ordetection of a lapse of a predetermined irradiation time. The imagingconsole 102 stores the data (X-ray image data) received from the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 or displays it on a display unit.

The arrangement of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 will be describednext with reference to FIG. 2A. The X-ray imaging apparatus 101 includesa sensor unit 201 and a notification unit 208. In the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, the sensor unit 201 including a sensor array forgenerating a signal corresponding to X-rays and the notification unit208 including a sound-production unit for making a notification by soundreproduction are accommodated in a housing. Note that thesound-production unit may be connectable to the housing. The sensor unit201 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 converts incident X-rays into anelectrical signal. The sensor unit 201 is formed by a scintillator (notshown) and a photodetector array (to be referred to as a sensor array251 (FIG. 2B) hereinafter). The scintillator and the sensor array 251have two-dimensional planar shapes and are adjacent to each other sothat the planes face each other. The scintillator is excited byradiation such as X-rays and generates visible light. Chargescorresponding to the period and the intensity of the visible light areaccumulated in the respective pixels of the sensor array 251. Note thatthe arrangement of the sensor unit 201 is not limited to this, and adirect conversion type sensor for directly converting X-rays into anelectrical signal may be used.

FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram showing an example of the detailedarrangement of the sensor unit 201, a sensor driving unit 202, and areading unit 203. The sensor unit 201 includes the scintillator (notshown) and the sensor array 251 in which the pixels aretwo-dimensionally arrayed. The sensor driving unit 202 includes a drivecircuit 252. A plurality of pixels on a row in the sensor array 251 areconnected to one gate line, and simultaneously addressed by the drivecircuit 252. The reading unit 203 includes a sample/hold circuit 253, amultiplexer 254, an amplifier 255, and an A/D converter 256. Thesample/hold circuit 253 reads out charges (signals) accumulated in thepixels addressed by the drive circuit 252 and holds them. The charges(signals) of the respective pixels held in the sample/hold circuit 253are sequentially output to the amplifier 255 via the multiplexer 254.The signals of the pixels read out by the sensor array 251 are amplifiedby the amplifier 255, and then converted into digital values by the A/Dconverter 256. When scanning of one row on the sensor array 251 ends,the drive circuit 252 drives the next row on the sensor array 251,thereby performing sequential scanning. When scanning of all the rowsends, the digital values of the signals read out from all the pixels ofthe sensor array 251 are obtained. The obtained digital values form anX-ray image. Note that an irradiation detection unit 221 shown in FIGS.2A and 2B is a component used in the second embodiment and can beomitted in this embodiment. The irradiation detection unit 221 will bedescribed in the second embodiment.

A control unit 204 drives the drive circuit 252 of the sensor drivingunit 202, and the sample/hold circuit 253 and multiplexer 254 of thereading unit 203 so as to implement the above-described sequentialscanning. This causes the reading unit 203 to read out the signals fromthe sensor unit 201 in cooperation with the sensor driving unit 202, andconverts them into digital information. When extracting chargesaccumulated in the sensor array 251, the control unit 204 instructs thesensor driving unit 202 to select a specific row or column of the sensorarray 251 to extract charges. The reading unit 203 reads out signalsfrom the selected row or column of the sensor array 251, and amplifiesthem, thereby performing digitalization. The data digitalized by thereading unit 203 is sent to the control unit 204, and stored by thecontrol unit 204 as an X-ray image in a storage unit 205. Using acommunication function (communication unit 206), the control unit 204externally sends the X-ray image stored in the storage unit 205. Notethat the externally sent X-ray image is the X-ray image stored in thestorage unit 205 or the X-ray image having undergone some processing. Insome cases, the X-ray image remains in the storage unit 205 withoutbeing externally sent.

Note that as for the arrangement of the sensor unit 201, the type ofscintillator, and the types of photodetector, control unit 204, storageunit 205, and the like are not particularly limited, and variousarrangements can be used.

The control unit 204 performs processing associated with control of eachunit of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101. For example, the control unit204 outputs, to the sensor driving unit 202, an instruction to drive thesensor unit 201 for imaging, saves, in the storage unit 205, the X-rayimage read out by the reading unit 203 from the sensor unit 201, orreads out the X-ray image saved in the storage unit 205. The controlunit 204 also sends the X-ray image to another apparatus via thecommunication unit 206, receives an instruction from an externalapparatus via the communication unit 206, or switches activation/stop ofthe X-ray imaging apparatus 101 in response to an operation from anoperation unit 207. The control unit 204 also controls to notify theuser of the operation status or error state of the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 by light or a sound using the notification unit 208. Notethat the above-described processing contents are processed by onecontrol unit 204 in this embodiment. However, a plurality of controlunits 204 may be provided to share the processing. As for practicalimplementation of the control unit 204, a CPU (Central Processing Unit),a MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array),a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), or the like can be used, andthe present invention is not particularly limited.

The storage unit 205 is used to save the X-ray image acquired by theX-ray imaging apparatus 101, or log information indicating an internalprocessing result or the like. If the control unit 204 is a componentusing software, such as a CPU, the storage unit 205 can store a programfor it. Note that practical implementation of the storage unit 205 isnot limited, and the storage unit 205 can be implemented by variouscombinations of semiconductor memories, HDDs, volatile/nonvolatilememories. This embodiment illustrates only one storage unit 205.However, a plurality of storage units 205 can be arranged.

The communication unit 206 performs processing for implementingcommunication between the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and anotherapparatus. The communication unit 206 according to this embodiment isconnected to a wireless connection unit 209 for wireless communication,and can communicate with the AP 105 or the imaging console 102 via thewireless connection unit 209. An example of the wireless connection unit209 is an antenna for wireless communication. The communication unit 206is connected to a wired connection unit 210, and can communicate withthe power source unit 104 or the imaging console 102 via the wiredconnection unit 210. The wired connection unit 210 has a mechanismcapable of receiving power when connected to the power source unit 104.An example of the mechanism is a connector including a communication pinand a power source pin. The wired connection unit 210 having suchmechanism implements wired communication and reception of power supplyusing the power source unit 104. Note that the communication unit 206 isnot limited to the above arrangement, and may have an arrangementincluding only the wired communication function or the wirelesscommunication function. The standard and method of the communication arenot particularly limited.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 101 includes an internal power source 211.In this embodiment, the internal power source 211 is a chargeablebattery, and is detachable from the main body of the X-ray imagingapparatus 101. The internal power source 211 is not limited to thisexample, and whether the internal power source 211 is rechargeable orunrechargeable, whether the internal power source 211 is detachable orundetachable, a power generation method, and the like are not limited.

A power source generation unit 212 generates a voltage/current needed byeach unit of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 from power given by theinternal power source 211, and distributes the voltage/current to eachunit. While the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the powersource unit 104, the power source unit 104 supplies power to the powersource generation unit 212 via the wired connection unit 210. The powersource generation unit 212 can supply power to each unit of the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 using the power supplied from the power sourceunit 104, and charge the internal power source 211.

The operation unit 207 is used to accept an operation from the user. Theimplementation method of the operation unit 207 is not particularlylimited, and need only be configured to accept an input from the user.More specifically, the operation unit 207 can be implemented by variouskinds of switches, a touch panel, and the like to be manually operatedby the user. A reception unit for accepting an input from a dedicatedremote controller may be provided in the operation unit 207.

The notification unit 208 is used to notify the user or the like of thestate of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and the like. The notificationunit 208 includes a light emitting unit for making a notification bylight and a sound-production unit for making a notification by a sound.The implementation method of the notification unit 208 is notparticularly limited. The light emitting unit can be implemented by anLED, an LCD monitor, or the like. The sound-production unit isimplemented by a loudspeaker, and has a function of implementing variouskinds of sound production. The X-ray imaging apparatus 101 according tothis embodiment has a notification function (light emitting unit) suchas an LED using light and a notification function (sound-productionunit) such as loudspeaker using a sound.

Sound-production processing from the notification unit 208 by the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 having the above arrangement will be describedwith reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Upon activation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, the control unit 204is supplied with power and activated. In addition, other function unitsare supplied with power and activated. Note that at the time ofactivation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, not all the functionunits of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 need to be activated. Forexample, the function units such as the sensor unit 201 used for imagingmay not be activated before an imaging request is issued. Suchactivation control may be implemented by, for example, the control unit204.

As shown in FIG. 3A, upon activation, the control unit 204 allows aninterrupt associated with sound production in step S301. If an interruptassociated with sound production is allowed, interrupt processing shownin FIG. 3B is executed in response to generation of an interrupt signalassociated with sound production. The interrupt processing executed whenan interrupt signal associated with sound production is generated willbe described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3B.

When an interrupt signal associated with sound production is generatedto start interrupt processing, the control unit 204 determines in stepS351 whether the current time falls within a sound-productionrestricting period. The sound-production restricting period is a periodset by the control unit 204 to restrict execution of sound production bythe sound-production unit, and will be described in detail later. If itis determined that the current time falls within the sound-productionrestricting period, the process advances to step S352. In step S352, thecontrol unit 204 suspends a request which has generated the interruptsignal, by holding the request in the storage unit 205, thereby endingthe interrupt processing. Note that a request which generates aninterrupt is a setting request to set sound production or asound-production request to execute sound production, as will bedescribed later. In this example, the both requests are suspended.However, only the sound-production request may be suspended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S351 that the currenttime falls outside the sound-production restricting period, the processadvances to step S353. In step S353, the control unit 204 determineswhether the interrupt has been generated by the sound-production settingrequest. If it is determined that the interrupt has been generated bythe sound-production setting request, the process advances to step S354,otherwise, the process advances to step S356. The sound-productionsetting request is a request to set ON/OFF of sound production by thesound-production unit, a volume, and the like, and includes settinginformation about sound production. In steps S354 and S355, the controlunit 204 makes settings concerning sound production of the notificationunit 208 based on the setting information included in thesound-production setting request.

Note that the setting request concerning sound production is generatedin response to a user operation of changing sound-production settings,for example, an operation of turning on/off sound production or anoperation of changing the volume. An arrangement for accepting such useroperation may be provided in one or both of the operation unit 207 ofthe X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and the imaging console 102. If, forexample, an arrangement for a sound-production setting operation isprovided in the operation unit 207 of the main body of the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, an operation input unit such as a switch or dial and anotification unit for notifying the user of an input result by light ora sound are preferably provided in the operation unit 207. It ispossible to make sound-production settings and notify the user of asound-production setting result (whether the current state is asound-production state, and the degree of volume). Note that thenotification unit may be implemented using the notification unit 208.

If a function of performing a sound-production setting operation isprovided in the imaging console 102, for example, a method of displayinga setting target item on the display unit, and changing thesound-production settings by operating an instruction input unit such asa keyboard can be adopted. If sound-production settings are made fromthe imaging console 102, the setting information is transferred to theX-ray imaging apparatus 101 by communication. Based on the receivedsetting information, the control unit 204 of the X-ray imaging apparatus101 changes the sound-production settings and notifies the user of thesetting result using the notification unit (notification unit 208),similarly to a case in which the sound-production settings are changedfrom the operation unit 207. As described above, in this embodiment, forexample, an interrupt for setting sound production is generated whensound-production setting is instructed from the operation unit 207 orsound-production setting is instructed from the sound-production settingscreen on the imaging console 102.

Note that a plurality of kinds of notifications using sounds arepreferably prepared. This is because the number of states in which theX-ray imaging apparatus 101 makes a notification is larger than one. Forexample, if the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 is driven by a battery, itis easier to notify the user of the type of problem by differentiating asound for notifying the user that the remaining battery amount is smallfrom a sound for notifying the user that wireless communicationconnection is impossible. Therefore, the sound-production unit canprepare a plurality of sounds or melodies by combinations of tones andsound-production times, and produce a sound so that the user canidentify each state to be notified. The user can set the correspondencebetween a state to be notified and the type of sound or melody in thesound-production setting. Furthermore, a volume at the time of soundproduction can be set for each state to be notified.

If the settings concerning sound production are updated in step S354,the process advances to step S355. In step S355, the control unit 204notifies the user of the sound-production setting result by causing thenotification unit 208 to execute sound production in accordance with thesettings updated in step S354. Note that in this embodiment, thesound-production setting result is confirmed after all the settings aremade. The present invention, however, is not limited to this. Forexample, in an arrangement in which each state and a sound indicatingeach state can be individually set, a sound of a setting result may beconfirmed every time the settings are changed. Alternatively, forexample, when a sound-production test button provided in the operationunit 207 is operated, sound-production setting confirmation may beexecuted by interrupt processing. The setting result concerning soundproduction may be displayed in a visible form on a display unit providedin the notification unit 208 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 or theimaging console 102. For example, a method of displaying, by ON/OFF of aspecific LED, whether the function of producing a sound is ON or OFF maybe used.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S353 that the interrupthas not been generated by the sound-production setting request, theprocess advances to step S356. For example, if an event, including asound-production request, that the remaining amount of the internalpower source 211 is insufficient occurs, an interrupt caused by thesound-production request is generated, and the process advances to stepS356. Note that the event occurs at an arbitrary timing during theoperation of the X-ray imaging apparatus, and examples of the event aredetection of the insufficient remaining battery amount and detection ofdisconnection of communication with the external apparatus. In stepS356, the control unit 204 determines whether the interrupt has beencaused by the sound-production request to request execution of soundproduction. If the interrupt has been caused by the sound-productionrequest, the process advances to step S357, and the control unit 204drives the notification unit 208 to execute sound production inaccordance with the sound-production request. In this way, the controlunit 204 causes the sound-production unit to execute sound production inresponse to detection of an event as the source of the sound-productionrequest.

The interrupt processing executed in response to an interrupt signalassociated with sound production has been explained. As is well known,the interrupt processing is immediately executed in response togeneration of an interrupt signal after an interrupt is allowed in stepS301. Therefore, the sound-production settings are updated, as needed,in accordance with a sound-production setting operation, and theloudspeaker of the notification unit 208 produces a sound in response tothe occurrence of an event associated with sound production, such as adecrease in battery voltage.

Referring back to FIG. 3A, after allowing an interrupt of thesound-production request in step S301, the control unit 204 determinesin step S302 whether an imaging operation request has been issued. Animaging request is issued based on an imaging sequence start instructionfrom the imaging console 102 or the like.

If it is determined in step S302 that the imaging request has beenissued, the process advances to step S303. In steps S303 to S310, X-rayimaging is executed. During X-ray imaging (during a period from imagingpreparation to transfer of an X-ray image), the sound-productionrestricting period during which sound production by the loudspeaker ofthe notification unit 208 is restricted is set. In this embodiment, thesound-production restricting period includes an image signal readoutperiod by the reading unit 203 from the sensor unit 201. Morespecifically, the readout period includes

-   a period during which the sample/hold circuit 253 and the    multiplexer 254 extract (read out) charges accumulated in the sensor    array 251 from a line selected by the drive circuit 252 under the    control of the sensor driving unit 202, and-   a period during which the extracted charges are amplified by the    amplifier 255 and digitalized by the A/D converter 256.

Since a readout operation is performed for each line, the time until allof the line set to be read out is set in a readout end state anddigitalized corresponds to the readout period. Note that if the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 acquires two images in total, that is, an imagefor correction and an X-ray image after X-ray irradiation in order tocreate one image, readout periods for acquiring the respective imagesare included in the sound-production restricting period. Note that theimage for correction is, for example, a dark image (an image acquiredfrom the sensor array without performing X-ray irradiation) representingoffset information of the sensor array.

The above-described readout period is a period during which a very smallamount of charges necessary for image generation is extracted, and isreadily influenced by electromagnetism generated by, for example,driving the coil in the sound-production unit (loudspeaker). Therefore,by setting the readout period as the sound-production restrictingperiod, electromagnetic noise is prevented from generating an inducedelectromotive force on the sensor array 251 or a current by the inducedelectromotive force by driving the sound-production unit. Thus, theinfluence of driving of the sound-production unit on the readout X-rayimage can be reduced.

Note that it is possible to suppress the readout period to several secor less by performing the operations of the sensor driving unit 202 andreading unit 203 at high speed. Therefore, if some sound-productionrequest (interrupt signal) is generated during the readout period, thecontrol unit 204 temporarily, internally suspends the sound-productionrequest, and executes the suspended sound-production request immediatelyafter the end of the sound-production restricting period. The processingwill be described below along the flowchart.

In step S303, the control unit 204 performs imaging preparation forX-ray imaging. After completion of the imaging preparation, the controlunit 204 starts, in step S304, X-ray imaging in response to anirradiation start request from the X-ray generation console 107, andwaits for the end of X-ray imaging (completion of X-ray irradiation).During imaging, charges are accumulated in the respective pixels of thesensor array 251 by emitted X-rays. Upon completion of X-rayirradiation, the control unit 204 starts restricting sound production instep S305, and starts reading out signals from the sensor array 251 bythe reading unit 203 in step S306. If the sound production is beingperformed, the control unit 204 may immediately stop the soundreproduction. This sets the readout period of the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 as the sound-production restricting period. When readingout the image signals, the reading unit 203 causes the amplifier 255 toamplify the image signals read out from the sensor array 251, causes theA/D converter 256 to digitalize the image signals, and stores thedigital signals as X-ray image data in the storage unit 205. After that,upon completion of the operation of reading out the image signals fromthe sensor array 251, the process advances from step S307 to step S308.In step S308, the control unit 204 allows sound production, and ends thesound-production restricting period of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101.If an interrupt signal for requesting sound production is generatedduring the sound-production restricting period, the sound-productionrequest is suspended by the interrupt processing, as described withreference to FIG. 3B. In step S309, if there is the sound-productionrequest suspended during the sound-production restricting period, thecontrol unit 204 executes sound production by the sound-production unitin accordance with the sound-production request. In step S310, using thecommunication unit 206, the control unit 204 transfers the X-ray imagestored in the storage unit 205 to the imaging console 102.

Note that in the above embodiment, if an interrupt signal is generatedduring the sound-production restricting period, the sound-productionrequest is suspended by the interrupt processing. The present invention,however, is not limited to this. For example, the interrupt associatedwith the sound-production request generated during the sound-productionrestricting period may be suspended, and the control unit 204 mayperform, in step S309, sound-production processing associated with thesuspended interrupt.

In this embodiment, the interrupt processing is used. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this. For example, if the occurrenceof an event of setting a sound or an event including sound production isdetected, a flag indicating it may be held, and confirmed for everypredetermined time. If the flag exists, the processing shown in FIG. 3Bmay be executed. As described above, in an arrangement in whichsound-production processing is executed by saving a sound-productionrequest as a flag, and confirming the flag for every predeterminedperiod, a sound-production restricting state can be implemented by, forexample, restricting confirmation of the flag during thesound-production restricting period.

An example of the processing when setting the readout period as thesound-production restricting period has been explained. Note that in theabove example, the sound-production setting request and thesound-production request are equally restricted during thesound-production restricting period. The present invention, however, isnot limited to this. For example, during the sound-productionrestricting period, the sound-production request may be restricted andthe sound-production setting request may be executed. In this case, itis necessary to restrict sound production for confirmation of a settingresult. Furthermore, the processing associated with the sound-productionsettings may be restricted by another timing or a longer period inconsideration of actual use. In this case, the control unit 204 sets asetting restricting period for restricting execution of thesound-production setting request in accordance with the operation stateof the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, and ignores the setting requestgenerated during the setting restricting period.

The operation of the X-ray imaging system 100 in the synchronizationmode in which the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 executes X-ray imaging incooperation with the X-ray generating apparatus 108 will be describedwith reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchartillustrating exchange between the imaging console 102, the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, and the X-ray generating apparatus 108 at the time ofimaging according to this embodiment. Note that the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 are connected via theX-ray apparatus connection device 109, as shown in FIG. 1, and areconfigured to exchange data concerning irradiation allowance. Theimaging console 102 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 are connectedvia the LAN 103, as shown in FIG. 1.

To start imaging, the respective apparatuses are activated in stepsSC401, SD401, and SX401. In step SC402, the imaging console 102 acceptsdesignation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 to be used, and input ofimaging information such as an imaging target person and an imagingportion. If the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 to be used is preset at thetime of last activation or the like, and it is not necessary to changethe setting, designation of the X-ray imaging apparatus can be omittedin some cases. In step SX402, the X-ray generating apparatus 108 acceptsirradiation conditions such as the irradiation time and intensity ofX-rays input via the X-ray generation console 107.

In addition to the above settings concerning the irradiation conditionsand imaging information, the user can make sound-production settings assettings concerning a notification made by the X-ray imaging apparatus101. Steps SC403 and SD403 indicate that the operation input of thesound-production settings can be accepted. Practical contents of thesound-production settings include the volume of the sound produced fromthe notification unit 208 (sound-production unit) of the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, and an ON/OFF setting indicating whether to produce asound, as described above. The sound-production settings can be madefrom one or both of the imaging console 102 and the operation unit 207of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 (steps SC403 and SD403).

If, for example, sound settings are made from the imaging console 102,the imaging console 102 may be configured to make, after settinginformation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 to be used,sound-production settings in the X-ray imaging apparatus 101. Contentsof the sound-production settings instructed by the imaging console 102are sent to the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, and the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 updates the sound-production settings. This is representedby steps SC403 and SD404. If sound settings are made using the operationunit 207 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101, it is only necessary tochange the volume or set whether to output a sound, in accordance withan operation of the switch, the dial, or the like provided in theoperation unit 207.

These sound-production settings can be made all the time in principle.However, in consideration of the user's intention to confirm the volumeafter actually making settings, the sound-production settings can bepreferably made while the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 is active. Sinceit is preferable to be able to confirm a sound immediately after thesetting operation by the user, at least a timing before the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 can accept X-ray irradiation to generate an imageis preferable. By exemplifying FIG. 4, at a timing before the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 executes step SD405 (imaging preparation start),sound-production settings can be accepted.

When the respective apparatuses of the X-ray imaging system 100 areactivated and an imaging sequence can start, an instruction (step SC404)of “imaging sequence start” from the imaging console 102 causes theX-ray imaging apparatus 101 to enter the imaging sequence (step SD405).In this example, the start instruction (imaging sequence start) from theimaging console 102 is used as a trigger. However, after the respectiveapparatuses are activated, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 may transitto an imaging enable state.

Upon receiving an imaging sequence start notification from the imagingconsole 102, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 starts preparation in stepSD405 so that X-ray irradiation can be performed. More specifically,processing of, for example, supplying a current to the sensor unit 201and waiting until the operation of a corresponding portion (for example,the sensor array 251) becomes stable is performed. Upon completion ofthe imaging preparation, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 can respond toan irradiation request from the X-ray generating apparatus 108, theX-ray generation console 107, or the like. If the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 outputs an irradiation start request at a timing (beforecompletion of the imaging preparation) at which the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 cannot allow irradiation (step SX403), the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 outputs an irradiation NG signal or does not respondcontinuously. If the irradiation NG signal is returned or a non-responsestate is maintained, the X-ray generating apparatus 108 starts no X-rayirradiation.

Upon completion of the imaging preparation, the X-ray imaging apparatus101 notifies the user of an irradiation enable state using thenotification unit 208 in step SD406. In the notification from thenotification unit 208, a notification by light and a notification by asound are made at the same time. As for a notification by a sound, soundproduction may be executed only once at the time of completion of thepreparation, or a sound may be continuously produced until X-rayirradiation is actually executed. The length of the sound may be changedby the above-described sound-production settings instead of a fixedlength. Furthermore, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 may notify theimaging console 102 of completion of the imaging preparation, and theimaging console 102 may notify the user of completion of the imagingpreparation using the display unit.

If the X-ray generating apparatus 108 outputs the irradiation startrequest, as indicated by step SX404, after the X-ray imaging apparatus101 enters a state in which it can deal with an irradiation request, theX-ray imaging apparatus 101 returns an irradiation allowancenotification to the X-ray generating apparatus 108 in step SD408. TheX-ray imaging apparatus 101 causes the sensor array 251 to shift to astate in which charges of an X-ray-charge conversion result areaccumulated. Upon receiving the irradiation allowance notification fromthe X-ray imaging apparatus 101, the X-ray generating apparatus 108starts X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 106 in step SX405. Afterthat, upon completion of X-ray irradiation, the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 notifies the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 of it in stepSX406.

If the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 receives the irradiation completionnotification from the X-ray generating apparatus 108 or a predeterminedirradiation time elapses, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 starts readingout accumulated charges from the sensor array 251 in step SD410. Asdescribed above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 drives the sensordriving unit 202 and the reading unit 203 to read out the charges(signals) from the sensor array 251, digitalize them, and save thedigital signals as image data in the storage unit 205. The signalreadout period from the sensor array 251 is set as the sound-productionrestricting period. During the sound-production restricting period, theX-ray imaging apparatus 101 is in a sound-production restricting state.If a sound-production request is generated during the sound-productionrestricting period, the sound-production request is suspended, asdescribed above. After the end of the sound-production restrictingperiod, sound production according to the suspended sound-productionrequest is executed.

Examples of the notification contents of the sound-production requestwhich can be generated during the sound-production restricting periodare a remaining battery amount warning at the time of battery drivingand disconnection of wireless communication when wireless communicationis used for communication between the imaging console 102 and the X-rayimaging apparatus 101. For example, if the X-ray imaging apparatus 101is driven by a battery, the remaining amount of the battery decreasesalong with the use time, and some functions undesirably stop. Therefore,to prevent functions from suddenly stopping, when the remaining batteryamount becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount, the useris notified of it. Therefore, a notification of a decrease in remainingbattery amount may coincide with the image readout operation from thesensor array 251. If a notification coincides with the image readoutoperation from the sensor array 251, driving of the loudspeakerinfluences the image readout operation. In the above embodiment, asdescribed above, the period including the signal readout period from thesensor array 251 is set as the sound-production restricting period, anda notification is made immediately after the sound-production period.Thus, it is possible to prevent the influence of driving of thesound-production unit as the loudspeaker on the image readout operation.

Note that in the above processing, the sound-production requestgenerated during the sound-production restricting period is suspended,and the suspended sound-production request is executed after the end ofthe sound-production restricting period. The present invention, however,is not limited to this. For example, the sound-production requestgenerated during the sound-production restricting period may be sent tothe external apparatus. For example, if the function of producing asound is provided in the imaging console 102, the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 may send, to the imaging console 102, the sound-productionrequest accepted during the sound-production restricting period, and theimaging console 102 may perform sound production.

When the image readout operation in step SD410 ends, the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 transfers, in step SD411, the image data stored in thestorage unit 205 to the imaging console 102. In step SC405, the imagingconsole 102 receives the image data sent from the X-ray imagingapparatus 101. In step SC406, the imaging console 102 saves the receivedimage data in a connected storage device (not shown), and displays it onthe display unit.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible torestrict driving of the sound-production component during the imagesignal readout period from the sensor array 251 associated with imagegeneration, and prevent or reduce the influence of the sound-productioncomponent on the X-ray image.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment has explained the X-ray imaging apparatus whichperforms an imaging operation in the synchronization mode. The secondembodiment will describe an X-ray imaging apparatus which performs animaging operation in an X-ray irradiation detection mode. An X-rayimaging apparatus 101 according to the second embodiment sets anirradiation detection period in the X-ray irradiation detection mode asa sound-production restricting period in addition to setting of areadout period as a sound-production restricting period.

The X-ray irradiation detection mode and an X-ray irradiation detectionfunction will be described first. The X-ray irradiation detectionfunction is a function of determining the presence/absence of X-rayirradiation by the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 itself, accumulating, ifit is determined that X-ray irradiation is being performed, charges byX-rays in a sensor unit 201, and then reading out the charges as anX-ray image. Therefore, exchange of a notification about X-rayirradiation between the X-ray generating apparatus 108 and the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 in the X-ray imaging system 100 according to thefirst embodiment (FIG. 1) is unnecessary, and the X-ray apparatusconnection device 109 and the like can be omitted. The X-ray irradiationdetection mode is a mode of acquiring an X-ray image by theabove-described X-ray irradiation detection function.

In the X-ray irradiation detection function, an irradiation detectionunit 221 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is used. As practical implementationmethods of the irradiation detection unit 221, there exists a method ofdetecting X-ray irradiation using the same scintillator and photosensoras those of the sensor unit 201, a method of detecting a currentgenerated in the sensor unit 201 by X-ray irradiation, and the like. Asdescribed above, the X-ray irradiation detection function according tothis embodiment uses an electrical mechanism (a mechanism using avoltage, a current (charges), or the like is included in part of theX-ray irradiation detection function). Upon detecting X-ray irradiation,the irradiation detection unit 221 notifies a control unit 204 of it.Upon receiving the notification, the control unit 204 starts X-rayimaging using the sensor unit 201. In X-ray imaging, the control unit204 accumulates charges by X-rays in a sensor array 251 of the sensorunit 201, and controls the sensor unit 201, a sensor driving unit 202,and a reading unit 203 to read out the accumulated charges and generatean X-ray image, as in the synchronization mode.

Processing by the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 having the abovearrangement according to the second embodiment will be described nextwith reference to a flowchart shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Note that inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the same step numbers as in FIG. 3A denote the sameprocesses. Furthermore, if an event for sound-production settings or anevent including sound production occurs, an interrupt caused by asetting request or sound-production request is generated, and interruptprocessing shown in FIG. 3B is executed, similarly to the firstembodiment.

If the control unit 204 is activated and the interrupt of thesound-production request is allowed (step S301), the process advances tostep S501. In step S501, the control unit 204 determines whether arequest (a request to shift the X-ray irradiation detection mode) toshift to imaging in the X-ray irradiation detection mode has beenissued. If the shift request has been issued, the process advances tostep S502. Note that the request to shift to the X-ray irradiationdetection mode is given as an imaging sequence start instruction or thelike from the imaging console 102 corresponding to the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, as an example. Furthermore, this embodiment assumesimaging in the X-ray irradiation detection mode. However, an arrangementof switching between the X-ray irradiation detection mode and thesynchronization mode described in the first embodiment can be adopted.In this case, before step S501, switching between the synchronizationmode and the X-ray irradiation detection mode is determined. If thesynchronization mode is determined, processes in step S302 andsubsequent steps of FIG. 3A are executed. Alternatively, if the X-rayirradiation detection mode is determined, processes in step S501 andsubsequent steps are executed.

If sound production is executed during the period (irradiation detectionperiod) when the X-ray irradiation detection function of the irradiationdetection unit 221 is operated, a sensitive component such as theirradiation detection unit 221 may be influenced, and the irradiationdetection unit 221 may erroneously detect X-ray irradiation and advancean imaging operation. To cope with this, in this embodiment, theirradiation detection period is set as a sound-production restrictingperiod. However, the irradiation detection period may be maintained fora period longer than the sound-production restricting period caused byexecution of an image signal readout operation from the sensor array251. In some irradiation detection methods, as long as a power sourcecan be maintained, the X-ray irradiation detection function is in anenable state, that is, the irradiation detection period is held.Therefore, the possibility that an event including a sound-productionrequest occurs during the irradiation detection period becomes high. Itmay be impossible to notify the user of a state by a sound because thecurrent time falls within the sound-production restricting period,thereby producing an adverse effect.

Assume, for example, that the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 operates witha battery as an internal power source 211. In this case, if theapparatus shifts to the X-ray irradiation detection mode even though theremaining power of the battery is small, battery may be exhausted duringthe irradiation detection period. It is desirable to call user'sattention before the battery is exhausted. Since, however, theirradiation detection period is set as the sound-production restrictingperiod, sound production for notifying the user of battery exhaustion isunwantedly suspended. As a result, the battery may be exhausted withoutbeing noticed by the user.

To prevent such situation, in step S502, based on the current remainingbattery amount and the length of the sound-production restricting periodcaused by the irradiation detection period, the control unit 204determines whether a sound-production request is generated during thesound-production restricting period. For example, if the upper limit ofthe irradiation detection period is about 10 minutes, the control unit204 determines whether the remaining power amount of the internal powersource 211 can maintain power supply for 10 minutes. If it is determinedthat power supply cannot be maintained, it is determined that asound-production request is generated during the sound-productionrestricting period. The control unit 204 controls a shift to the X-rayirradiation detection mode based on the determination result. Note thatthe practical length of the irradiation detection period depends on anX-ray irradiation detection method. If it is determined in step S502that there is possibility that a sound-production request is generatedduring the sound-production restricting period caused by the X-rayirradiation detection period, the process advances to step S511.

In step S511, the control unit 204 notifies the user via one or both ofa notification unit 208 and an imaging console 102 that an eventincluding sound production occurs during the irradiation detectionperiod or that a shift to the X-ray irradiation detection mode isstopped. The control unit 204 then stops the shift to the X-rayirradiation detection mode. Note that the imaging console 102 also stopsthe shift to the X-ray irradiation detection mode. After that, theprocess advances to step S311. If the power is not OFF, the processreturns to step S501. If a request to shift to the X-ray irradiationdetection mode is generated again, if a factor for determining YES instep S502 is eliminated, the process advances from step S502 to stepS503 to execute processing of waiting for detection of X-rayirradiation.

Note that in the above-described processing in step S511, after anotification is made to the user, the shift to the X-ray irradiationdetection mode is stopped. The present invention, however, is notlimited to this. For example, the user may determine whether the riskcan be allowed, and then select to shift to the X-ray irradiationdetection mode. In this case, the control unit 204 executes notificationto the user in step S511, and then enters a state in which it waits fora user input of determination of whether to forcibly shift to the X-rayirradiation detection mode. If the determination result of the user isinput via the operation unit 207 or the imaging console 102, the processshifts to step S503 or S311 in accordance with the determination result.

If it is determined in step S502 that no sound-production request isgenerated during the irradiation detection period, the process advancesto step S503. In step S503, the control unit 204 performs preparation(current supply to necessary functional units, activation of them, orthe like) to shift to the X-ray irradiation detection mode. After that,in step S504, the control unit 204 causes the notification unit 208 tonotify the user of the start of the X-ray irradiation detection mode bylight or a sound. In step S505, the control unit 204 shifts the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 to the X-ray irradiation detection waiting state(irradiation detection period), and restricts sound production accordingto the sound-production request. Thus, the sound-production restrictingperiod starts.

In step S506, the control unit 204 determines whether the irradiationdetection unit 221 has detected X-ray irradiation. If it is determinedthat X-ray irradiation has been detected, the process advances to stepS512; otherwise, the process advances to step S507.

In step S507, the control unit 204 determines whether a predeterminedtime has elapsed after the start of the X-ray irradiation detectionmode, that is, whether a time-out of a detection time occurs. Asdescribed above, in some X-ray detection methods, a very long time canbe set as an irradiation detection waiting time. However, inconsideration of actual use, X-ray detection processing is preferablystopped after a predetermined time as a preparation to a case in whichthe apparatus is left without X-ray irradiation. Thus, in thisembodiment, the time-out of the detection time is set. If theirradiation detection waiting time is limited, it is matter of coursethat the time-out of the detection time is set. If it is determined instep S507 that the waiting time after the start of the X-ray irradiationdetection mode has reached the time-out time, the process advances tostep S508 to end the X-ray irradiation detection mode. If it isdetermined in step S507 that no time-out of the detection time occurs,the process returns to step S506 to determine whether X-ray irradiationhas been detected. In the sound-production restricting state, steps S506and S507 are repeated and the sound-production restricting periodcontinues until a time-out of the detection time occurs or X-rayirradiation is detected.

In step S508, the control unit 204 ends the X-ray irradiation detectionmode, and immediately allows sound production. Thus, thesound-production restricting period ends and the sound-productionrestricting state is canceled. In step S509, the control unit 204notifies the user of the end of the X-ray irradiation detection mode bya sound or light. Subsequently, in step S510, the control unit 204executes a sound-production request suspended during thesound-production restricting period (irradiation detection period) if itexists.

If it is determined in step S506 that X-ray irradiation has beendetected, in step S512 the control unit 204 ends the X-ray irradiationdetection mode and starts imaging (accumulation of charges). In stepS513, the control unit 204 allows sound production to end thesound-production restricting period (cancel the sound-productionrestricting state), and notifies the user of detection of X-rayirradiation. Note that in an arrangement in which the sensor unit 201used to acquire an X-ray image is also used for detection of X-rayirradiation, in step S512, the same imaging preparation as in the firstembodiment (step S303) is executed prior to the start of imaging. In anarrangement in which no sensor unit 201 is used for detection of X-rayirradiation, the sensor unit 201 can be preset in a charge accumulationenable state (imaging preparation completion state). Thus, it ispossible to immediately start imaging by skipping imaging preparationafter detection of X-ray irradiation.

Subsequently, in step S514, the control unit 204 waits for completion ofX-ray imaging (completion of X-ray irradiation). When X-ray irradiationends, the process advances to step S305 to restrict sound production andread out an image. Processes in steps S305 to S310 are as described inthe first embodiment (FIG. 3A). With the above processing, in the secondembodiment, the irradiation detection period after shifting to the X-rayirradiation detection mode and the image readout period after imagingare set as sound-production restricting periods, and the influence ofthe sound-production unit on the irradiation detection operation and theimage readout operation can be reduced. If an event including soundproduction is expected to occur during a scheduled irradiation detectionperiod, a shift to the X-ray irradiation detection mode is stopped. Thisreduces the adverse effect, on a notification by sound production, ofthe sound-production restricting period which is caused by theirradiation detection period and can continue relatively long.

The processing of excluding the possibility that a sound-productionrequest is generated in the sound-production restricting state by theprocessing in step S502 has been explained. An unexpected factor maygenerate a sound-production request during the sound-productionrestricting period. In this case, the following processing may beexecuted.

(1) The sound-production request is suspended until the sound-productionrestricting period ends (sound production is allowed), and anotification is made after the end of the sound-production restrictingperiod.

(2) A notification is made by light using the light emitting unitprovided in the notification unit 208.

(3) Information to be notified is transferred to the external apparatus(for example, the imaging console 102), and a notification is made usingthe display unit or sound-production mechanism of the imaging console102. For example, a countdown (time-out countdown) until a time-out ofthe irradiation detection period occurs is used to make a notification.

(4) If the user is to be notified of serious contents of an error and itis impossible to capture an image in such state, irradiation detectionor imaging is stopped, and the sound-production restricting period isterminated (sound production is allowed), thereby executing notificationby sound production.

(5) In accordance with the type of event which has occurred, processingis switched to suspend the sound-production request or send thesound-production request to the external apparatus. For example,sound-production requests are ranked in advance, and one of (1) to (4)described above is selected to make a notification in accordance withthe rank of the generated sound-production request (that is, the type ofevent which has occurred). In this case, the event type, the rank of thesound-production request, and processing contents corresponding to thesound-production request are registered in advance. Note that the eventtype and the processing contents corresponding to the sound-productionrequest may be registered in association with each other without usingthe rank of the sound-production request.

According to the second embodiment, it is possible to suppress thesound-production component from producing a sound during a periodassociated with X-ray irradiation detection which is preferably notinfluenced by the sound-production component, thereby more correctlydetecting X-ray irradiation.

Third Embodiment

Each of the first and second embodiments has explained the arrangementin which the imaging console 102 exists in the environment at the timingof imaging. The third embodiment will describe an arrangement in whichan X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and an X-ray generating apparatus 108perform imaging, and there is no imaging console 102 at the timing ofimaging. In this specification, a state in which communication with theimaging console 102 is disabled in the environment at the timing ofimaging will be referred to as a console-less mode hereinafter. Morespecifically, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 is in a mode in which anX-ray image is accumulated in an internal storage unit 205 without beingtransferred to the imaging console 102 for each imaging operation.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of the arrangement of an X-ray imagingsystem according to the third embodiment. An arrangement indicated byFIG. 6A represents an arrangement before or after imaging, and anarrangement indicated by FIG. 6B represents an arrangement duringimaging. In the arrangement during imaging (FIG. 6B), the X-ray imagingapparatus 101, the X-ray generating apparatus 108, components (an X-raytube 106, an X-ray generation console 107, and the like) associated withthem, and an object 110 are used to perform imaging, and no imagingconsole 102 is used. Note that the X-ray generating apparatus 108 is ofa standalone type in an imaging room or the like but may be a movableset or an X-ray generating apparatus for round visits which is formed byarranging all the components on a cart.

The arrangements shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B assume an operation in whichthe X-ray imaging apparatus 101 acquires X-ray images in X-ray imaging,accumulates them in the internal storage unit 205, and collectivelyoutputs the accumulated X-ray images to the imaging console 102 afterimaging. To implement such imaging, before imaging, the imaging console102 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 are connected wirelessly or viaa cable to set imaging conditions and sound production. After the end ofimaging, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and the imaging console 102 areconnected to transfer X-ray images to the imaging console 102. Thearrangement indicated by FIG. 6A shows this state. Note that FIG. 6Ashows a state in which the components are connected via a cable but thecomponents may be connected wirelessly. The arrangement of the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 is the same as in the second embodiment. However,the capacity of the storage unit 205 for accumulating captured X-rayimages may be made larger.

In the above-described X-ray imaging system according to the thirdembodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 and the X-ray generatingapparatus 108 cannot be synchronized with each other. Therefore, in thethird embodiment, X-ray imaging is executed not in the synchronizationmode described in the first embodiment but in the X-ray irradiationdetection mode described in the second embodiment. Since no imagingconsole 102 is connected at the time of X-ray imaging, a requirement tonotify the user of state transition by only the X-ray imaging apparatus101 becomes high. To cope with this, the number of times the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 returns a response to a user operation isincreased.

Processing by the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 according to the thirdembodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. In FIGS. 7A and 7B, the same reference symbols as inthe second embodiment (FIGS. 5A and 5B) denote the same processes. Inthe first and second embodiments, a setting request concerning soundproduction from the imaging console 102 can be generated, as needed. Tothe contrary, in the third embodiment, a period during which a settingrequest from the imaging console 102 can be sent to the X-ray imagingapparatus 101 corresponds to a period during which the imaging console102 and the X-ray imaging apparatus 101 are connected before and afterX-ray imaging. Generation of a request (setting request orsound-production request) concerning sound production from the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 is the same as in the first and secondembodiments.

In the second embodiment, in step S501, the presence of a mode shiftrequest is determined based on an instruction from the imaging console102. To the contrary, in the third embodiment, an instruction of a modeshift request may be detected in response to a user input to theoperation unit 207 or disconnection from the imaging console 102 may berecognized as an instruction of a mode shift request. Furthermore, theoperation in the console-less mode described in this embodiment, theoperation described in the first embodiment, and the operation describedin the second embodiment may be switched. In this case, before executionof step S501, operation switching acceptance processing is performed.

In the third embodiment, step S701 is added after step S511. Similarlyto the second embodiment, in step S511, a control unit 204 sends, usingthe notification unit 208, a notification that a sound-productionrequest can be generated, such as a warning that the remaining batteryamount becomes short during the sound-production restricting period,thereby stopping a shift to the X-ray irradiation detection mode. In theconsole-less mode, there is no advanced user interface such as theimaging console 102 at this time. Therefore, the control unit 204 turnsoff the power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101. Note that if thenotification unit 208 and an operation unit 207 are advanced and cansend a notification of the same information as that of the imagingconsole 102 or accept it, the same processing as in the secondembodiment may be performed.

Processes in steps S702 and S703 are added. In step S702, before thestart of the sound-production restricting period, the control unit 204uses the notification unit 208 to notify the user that the apparatustransits to the sound-production restricting state. In step S703, afterthe end of the sound-production restricting period, the control unit 204uses the notification unit 208 to notify the user that thesound-production restricting state is canceled. These notifications aremade using one or both of light and a sound. In the console-less mode,there is no imaging console 102 in an imaging environment, and it isthus desirable to increase the opportunity of notifying the user of thestate of the X-ray imaging apparatus 101. Therefore, in this embodiment,before and after the sound-production restricting period, the user isnotified of the state or operation.

There is a difference from the second embodiment in processing for asound-production request during the sound-production restricting period.The second embodiment has explained the arrangement of causing theimaging console 102 as an external apparatus to alternatively execute asound-production request. For example, if it is desirable to notify, bysound production, the user of a time-out countdown during thesound-production restricting period caused by the irradiation detectionperiod, the imaging console 102 is requested to alternatively performsound production. However, this cannot be performed in the thirdembodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, instead of requestingsuch external apparatus to alternatively perform sound production, amethod of executing sound production with a volume which does notinfluence the X-ray irradiation detection function, in addition to anotification by the notification unit 208 using light, may be adopted.At this time, settings concerning sound production made by the user areignored, and a notification is made using a minimum sound.

If notification contents indicate an image acquisition disable state,the control unit 204 may stop X-ray irradiation detection, and end thesound-production restricting period, thereby making a notification usinga sound. As described in the above embodiment, a method of setting anotification request level and changing a notification method to amethod using only light or a method using light and a sound inaccordance with the level is also applicable.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible tosuppress driving of the sound-production component during theirradiation detection period or the readout period during which it isundesirable to receive the influence of driving of the sound-productioncomponent, similarly to the second embodiment. In addition, in the thirdembodiment, while implementing such suppression, it is possible toprevent the opportunity of notifying the user of the state of the X-rayimaging apparatus 101 and its contents from being reduced even in thesituation in which there is no imaging console 102.

As described above, the control unit 204 according to each of theabove-described embodiments can switch allowance/non-allowance of soundproduction by the sound-production unit, and sets, as a sound-productionrestricting period, a period during which the irradiation detectionarrangement or the image acquisition arrangement is driven. Thisprevents the electromagnetism, generated by producing a sound from thesound-production unit, from influencing an irradiation detectionoperation or an operation of reading out signals from the sensor array.

Other Embodiments

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2016-023079, filed Feb. 9, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiation imaging apparatus having acommunication function capable of exchanging data with an externaldevice using at least one of wired communication and wirelesscommunication, comprising: a sensor unit including a sensor arrayconfigured to generate a signal corresponding to radiation; asound-production unit configured to make a notification by soundproduction; and a notification unit configured to cause thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event, wherein sound production by the sound-productionunit is executed such that the sound production is not executed during aperiod of reading out a signal from the sensor array in a state in whichcommunication with the external device is disabled.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the period includes a period of readingout the signal from the sensor array after radiation irradiation toobtain radiation image data.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the period includes a period of reading out the signal from thesensor array to obtain image data for correcting radiation image data.4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the period includes aperiod of digitalizing the signal read out from the sensor array.
 5. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the period includes anirradiation detection period for detecting a start of radiationirradiation.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thenotification unit restricts execution of sound production by thesound-production unit in a case where an event including asound-production request occurs during the period.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 6, further comprising: a suspending unit configuredto suspend, when the event including the sound-production request isdetected during the period, the sound-production request correspondingto the event, wherein after an end of the period, the notification unitcauses the sound-production unit to execute sound production accordingto the sound-production request suspended by the suspending unit.
 8. Theapparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the event including thesound-production request is detected during the period, the notificationunit sends the sound-production request corresponding to the event tothe external apparatus.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 6, whereinwhen the event including the sound-production request is detected duringthe period, the notification unit makes a notification representingoccurrence of the event using an arrangement different from soundproduction by the sound-production unit.
 10. The apparatus according toclaim 6, wherein the notification unit determines a type of the eventincluding the sound-production request, which has occurred during theperiod, and switches processing for the sound-production requestcorresponding to the event in accordance with the determined type. 11.The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein if the determined type ofthe event is a first type, the notification unit suspends thesound-production request corresponding to the event during the period,and if the determined type of the event is a second type, thenotification unit sends the sound-production request to the externalapparatus.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein before orafter the first period, a notification representing a state of theradiation imaging apparatus is made.
 13. The apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: a changing unit configured to change asound-production setting in the sound-production unit in accordance witha sound-production setting request, wherein the changing unit ignoresthe setting request generated during the period.
 14. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising: a changing unit configured tochange a sound-production setting in the sound-production unit inaccordance with a sound-production setting request, wherein the changingunit ignores the setting request generated during a period which is setin accordance with an operation state of the radiation imagingapparatus.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the event isan event which can occur during the period.
 16. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the event is an event which occurs at an arbitrarytiming during an operation of the radiation imaging apparatus.
 17. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the event includes an eventassociated with a countdown until a time-out of the irradiationdetection period for detecting the start of radiation irradiationoccurs.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the eventincludes detection of an insufficient remaining battery amount.
 19. Acontrol method for a radiation imaging apparatus including: a sensorunit with a sensor array configured to generate a signal correspondingto radiation; a sound-production unit configured to make a notificationby sound production; and a communication function capable of exchangingdata with an external device using at least one of wired communicationand wireless communication, the method comprising: causing thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event, wherein the sound production by thesound-production unit is executed such that sound production by thesound-production unit is not executed during a period of reading out asignal from the sensor array.
 20. A non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute acontrol method for a radiation imaging apparatus including: a sensorunit with a sensor array configured to generate a signal correspondingto radiation; a sound-production unit configured to make a notificationby sound production; and a communication function capable of exchangingdata with an external device using at least one of wired communicationand wireless communication, the method comprising: causing thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event, wherein the sound production by thesound-production unit is executed such that sound production by thesound-production unit is not executed during a period of reading out asignal from the sensor array.
 21. A radiation imaging apparatus having acommunication function capable of exchanging data with an externaldevice using at least one of wired communication and wirelesscommunication, comprising: a sensor unit including a sensor arrayconfigured to generate a signal corresponding to radiation; a storageunit configured to store the signal; a sound-production unit configuredto make a notification by sound production; and a notification unitconfigured to cause the sound-production unit to execute soundproduction in response to detection of an event, wherein soundproduction by the sound-production unit is executed such that the soundproduction is not executed during a period of reading out a signal fromthe sensor array in a case where the signal is stored in the storageunit without exchanging the data with the external device for eachradiation imaging.
 22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein theperiod includes a period of reading out the signal from the sensor arrayafter radiation irradiation to obtain radiation image data.
 23. Theapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the period includes a period ofreading out the signal from the sensor array to obtain image data forcorrecting radiation image data.
 24. The apparatus according to claim21, wherein the period includes a period of digitalizing the signal readout from the sensor array.
 25. The apparatus according to claim 21,wherein the period includes an irradiation detection period fordetecting a start of radiation irradiation.
 26. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the notification unit restricts execution of soundproduction by the sound-production unit in a case where an eventincluding a sound-production request occurs during the period.
 27. Theapparatus according to claim 26, further comprising: a suspending unitconfigured to suspend, when the event including the sound-productionrequest is detected during the period, the sound-production requestcorresponding to the event, wherein after an end of the period, thenotification unit causes the sound-production unit to execute soundproduction according to the sound-production request suspended by thesuspending unit.
 28. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein whenthe event including the sound-production request is detected during theperiod, the notification unit sends the sound-production requestcorresponding to the event to the external apparatus.
 29. The apparatusaccording to claim 26, wherein when the event including thesound-production request is detected during the period, the notificationunit makes a notification representing occurrence of the event using anarrangement different from sound production by the sound-productionunit.
 30. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the notificationunit determines a type of the event including the sound-productionrequest, which has occurred during the period, and switches processingfor the sound-production request corresponding to the event inaccordance with the determined type.
 31. The apparatus according toclaim 30, wherein if the determined type of the event is a first type,the notification unit suspends the sound-production requestcorresponding to the event during the period, and if the determined typeof the event is a second type, the notification unit sends thesound-production request to the external apparatus.
 32. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein before or after the first period, anotification representing a state of the radiation imaging apparatus ismade.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising: achanging unit configured to change a sound-production setting in thesound-production unit in accordance with a sound-production settingrequest, wherein the changing unit ignores the setting request generatedduring the period.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 21, furthercomprising: a changing unit configured to change a sound-productionsetting in the sound-production unit in accordance with asound-production setting request, wherein the changing unit ignores thesetting request generated during a period which is set in accordancewith an operation state of the radiation imaging apparatus.
 35. Theapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the event is an event which canoccur during the period.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 21,wherein the event is an event which occurs at an arbitrary timing duringan operation of the radiation imaging apparatus.
 37. The apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein the event includes an event associatedwith a countdown until a time-out of the irradiation detection periodfor detecting the start of radiation irradiation occurs.
 38. Theapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the event includes detection ofan insufficient remaining battery amount.
 39. A control method for aradiation imaging apparatus including: a sensor unit with a sensor arrayconfigured to generate a signal corresponding to radiation; a storageunit configured to store the signal; a sound-production unit configuredto make a notification by sound production; and a communication functioncapable of exchanging data with an external device using at least one ofwired communication and wireless communication, the method comprising:causing the sound-production unit to execute sound production inresponse to detection of an event, wherein the sound production by thesound-production unit is executed such that sound production by thesound-production unit is not executed during a period of reading out asignal from the sensor array in a case where the signal is stored in thestorage unit without exchanging the data with the external device foreach radiation imaging.
 40. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute a controlmethod for a radiation imaging apparatus including: a sensor unit with asensor array configured to generate a signal corresponding to radiation;a sound-production unit configured to make a notification by soundproduction; and a communication function capable of exchanging data withan external device using at least one of wired communication andwireless communication, the method comprising: causing thesound-production unit to execute sound production in response todetection of an event, wherein the sound production by thesound-production unit is executed such that sound production by thesound-production unit is not executed during a period of reading out asignal from the sensor array in a case where the signal is stored in thestorage unit without exchanging the data with the external device foreach radiation imaging.